Compiled by Bill
O'NeillQuestion: According to a news report last
week, the city's Department of Education is starting a program this fall that
will pay students - up to $50 for a perfect score - in some schools for earning
high scores on new tests. Do you think this is a good idea and should be
expanded to all schools if it works? Why?

"I think it's a good idea. Should be expanded to all schools if it works. It'll have the kids who want to do well keep going. That will help the schools."
- Regina Dean, Canarsie

"I don't think that's a good thing. No, I don't think it should be expanded. Everybody should want to go to school just to get the education. It's not about somebody paying you to go to school - or to do well in school"
- Terone Legree, Canarsie

"I think it's a terrible idea. Kids should want to get a perfect score for themselves - not because they are getting paid for it. It shouldn't be expanded. Kids should take pride in themselves - and the scores they get on tests."
- Joe Costello, Canarsie

"It's good to give kids incentives. But I don't think paying them is a good idea. It doesn't teach them the right values. They should expand incentives - a day off from school or a field trip - but no monetary incentives."
- Matt Goodman, Marine Park